Fibromyalgia, a disorder affecting women more often than men, is characterized by widespread muscular pain, fatigue, as well as sleep and mood problems. At present there is no cure for it, but it is managed often by medications. However, following a careful review of current evidence, a multidisciplinary group from 12 European countries, has unanimously endorsed the use of exercise as the first line of treatment for fibromyalgia. Exercise is very beneficial in pain management, improves physical functioning, and well-being–as well as being readily available, relatively low cost, and has few safety concerns. These new recommendations place lesser emphasis on medications. Early diagnosis, good patient education, and the maintenance of physical activity all increase the likelihood of good outcomes in fibromyalgia. So for those suffering from fibromyalgia, talk with your health-care provider about slowly working up to a moderate exercise program.
For more information on fibromyalgia:
(In Sweden)
www.fibromyalgi.se
www.reumatikerforbundet.org
1177 – fibromyalgi
(In Norway)
www.fibromyalgi.no
www.revmatiker.no
www.helsenorge.no – fibromyalgi
Source:
Fred Hardinge,
www.positivechoices.com
Used with Permission